Got a $1,500 budget! What should I look at?

GAHUNTER60 · Nov 18, 2020

Here's what I'm looking for: I'm primarily a hunter and recreational shooter, so accuracy and functionality are paramount. I'm stuck on .54 caliber because I plan on shooting patched round balls only, and .54 caliber round balls provide adequate terminal ballistic on game.

Since I'm getting too old to lug a 4x4 around the woods, something kinda light and carry-friendly would be nice. I'd also like a reasonable facsimile of a rifle that my ancestors who fought (and died) at the Battle of Kings Mountain might have used. And though I prize functionality over style, I do appreciate pretty things, so a nice piece of wood would be a plus.

So far, I've looked hard at the Tennessee and Southern Mountain rifles built by TVM, as well as their Natchez Poor Boy. These are in my ballpark budget and get get good reviews on functionality and accuracy. I would love to have visited Tip Curtis' Frontier Shop while he was alive, as I have been made to understand that he built rifles right up my ally.

Anybody else I should consider? (BTW, I have all the manual dexterity of Hippo, so a kit gun is out -- unless, of course, somebody else does the assemblage for me.)

Thanks guys. I look forward to you suggestions.

Bob McBride · Nov 18, 2020

Personally, I'd look at custom guns before semi-custom guns that don't worry much about correct architecture. A custom with a Chambers lock, a Colerain, Getz, GM or Rice barrel, and a correctly built stock of the style that interests you is your best value for that budget. I'd post your request here and on ALR as well, as many collectors of custom guns hang out over there and you would get several nice offerings in your budget. Before settling on anything post it here for feedback. I'd rather have a nice used custom than a new one in your budget, you're more likely to walk away in an equity position.

kje54 · Nov 18, 2020

GAHUNTER60 said:
Here's what I'm looking for: I'm primarily a hunter and recreational shooter, so accuracy and functionality are paramount. I'm stuck on .54 caliber because I plan on shooting patched round balls only, and .54 caliber round balls provide adequate terminal ballistic on game.

Since I'm getting too old to lug a 4x4 around the woods, something kinda light and carry-friendly would be nice. I'd also like a reasonable facsimile of a rifle that my ancestors who fought (and died) at the Battle of Kings Mountain might have used. And though I prize functionality over style, I do appreciate pretty things, so a nice piece of wood would be a plus.

So far, I've looked hard at the Tennessee and Southern Mountain rifles built by TVM, as well as their Natchez Poor Boy. These are in my ballpark budget and get get good reviews on functionality and accuracy. I would love to have visited Tip Curtis' Frontier Shop while he was alive, as I have been made to understand that he built rifles right up my ally.

Anybody else I should consider? (BTW, I have all the manual dexterity of Hippo, so a kit gun is out -- unless, of course, somebody else does the assemblage for me.)

Thanks guys. I look forward to you suggestions.

The Southern Mountain would be too late a period piece, 1790s - 1810.
With that price range and not dealing with a kit I'd suggest a Pendersoli , the Blue Ridge Flintlock (Cabela's, currently out of stock) or their Pennsylvania Longrifle (Dixie Gun Works). The sights on the Pennsylvania are wrong for the period but they can be fairly easily changed out with sights from Track of the Wolf.
The other thing is keep your eye open on this forum for long guns that will suit your purpose.

Art Caputo · Nov 18, 2020

Given your budget, you can’t go wrong with TVM. I have owned a few and they have all been well made , nicely balanced, and accurate shooters.

kje54 · Nov 18, 2020

GAHUNTER60 said:
Here's what I'm looking for: I'm primarily a hunter and recreational shooter, so accuracy and functionality are paramount. I'm stuck on .54 caliber because I plan on shooting patched round balls only, and .54 caliber round balls provide adequate terminal ballistic on game.

Since I'm getting too old to lug a 4x4 around the woods, something kinda light and carry-friendly would be nice. I'd also like a reasonable facsimile of a rifle that my ancestors who fought (and died) at the Battle of Kings Mountain might have used. And though I prize functionality over style, I do appreciate pretty things, so a nice piece of wood would be a plus.

So far, I've looked hard at the Tennessee and Southern Mountain rifles built by TVM, as well as their Natchez Poor Boy. These are in my ballpark budget and get get good reviews on functionality and accuracy. I would love to have visited Tip Curtis' Frontier Shop while he was alive, as I have been made to understand that he built rifles right up my ally.

Anybody else I should consider? (BTW, I have all the manual dexterity of Hippo, so a kit gun is out -- unless, of course, somebody else does the assemblage for me.)

Thanks guys. I look forward to you suggestions.

Unless you're absolutly set on a .54 here's a .50 one of our members has for sale.

FOR SALE - Isaac Haines Style 50 cal. Flintlock

tenngun · Nov 18, 2020

May I ask what you plan to hunt and in what sort of terrain. What serves in Arkansas isn’t the same as Wyoming
A .54 needs a few features that can make it heavy. A Leman trade rifle in .54 is pretty light, but also uncomfortable to shoot. A Isaac Hains is longer and beefier to carry but a dream to shoot.
A Fowling piece can be light and comfortable to shoot but won’t give you accuracy much beyond fifty yards. You may need longer shots in Montana then you need in Alabama

Phil Coffins · Nov 18, 2020

Poorboy or mountain rifles are a later style then what were used at Kings Mountain as kje54 points out. The Kibler colonial is a first rate flint rifle that handles like it’s lighter then it is. I built one that weighted 9 pounds two ounces. With a nice piece of wood it would click every box on your list and they come up at times finished for $1500 to $1600 .

RB POWELL · Nov 18, 2020

GAHUNTER60 said:
Here's what I'm looking for: I'm primarily a hunter and recreational shooter, so accuracy and functionality are paramount. I'm stuck on .54 caliber because I plan on shooting patched round balls only, and .54 caliber round balls provide adequate terminal ballistic on game.

Since I'm getting too old to lug a 4x4 around the woods, something kinda light and carry-friendly would be nice. I'd also like a reasonable facsimile of a rifle that my ancestors who fought (and died) at the Battle of Kings Mountain might have used. And though I prize functionality over style, I do appreciate pretty things, so a nice piece of wood would be a plus.

So far, I've looked hard at the Tennessee and Southern Mountain rifles built by TVM, as well as their Natchez Poor Boy. These are in my ballpark budget and get get good reviews on functionality and accuracy. I would love to have visited Tip Curtis' Frontier Shop while he was alive, as I have been made to understand that he built rifles right up my ally.

Anybody else I should consider? (BTW, I have all the manual dexterity of Hippo, so a kit gun is out -- unless, of course, somebody else does the assemblage for me.)

Thanks guys. I look forward to you suggestions.

Regardless of your lack of manual skills I'm sure you could put together a Kibler kit. Well worth the money.

tenngun · Nov 18, 2020

Sitting fox offers a variety that in the white would be in your price range, all you need do is sand and finish as it’s shootable as shipped.

hanshi · Nov 18, 2020

TVM and Kibler are, IMHO, about as good as you can get as kits. A fine used rifle can be gotten within your budget. But you already know about TVM.

Mark Herman · Nov 19, 2020

I have a Matt Avance TVM flint full stock listed elsewhere. Like new condition in .45 with a 42" barrel, I think 13/16 tag. Asking $1300 plus shipping.

Sparkitoff · Nov 19, 2020

Percussion or flint?

GAHUNTER60 · Nov 19, 2020

Flint. I've got all the percussion rifles I'll ever need. I've been hunting and shooting percussion rifles for over 50 years. Only recently have I become interested in hunting with flinters.

My philosophy on staying young at heart is to never stop challenging yourself to learn and achieve something new, and keep something to look forward to out in front of you at all times. Thus I'm looking forward to acquiring and mastering a flintlock and becoming active in flintlock group (like Blue Ridge Mountain Men, if they still exist in this time of Covid).

FishDFly · Nov 19, 2020

TVM, folks here are in 2 camps, they either love or hate TVM.

Send Smokey Plainsman a MP to get some insight into dealing with TVM before you buy.

Dave Marsh · Nov 19, 2020

Stick with a ,54 caliber and follow Bob McBride's advice. Good deals on some really nice custom guns appear quite often. I would make sure whatever you buy has either a Chambers lock or a Kibler lock. Rice, Getz, Colerain barrels to mention a few are all good shooting barrels. Good luck.

Dave

Rifleman1776 · Nov 19, 2020

Unless you plan to hunt elk or moose, at .45 cal. prb is a good all around caliber in a flint rifle for North American game. By necessity, a .54 cal rifle will be heavier and less fun to lug around in the woods. If you want a fancy piece of wood start shopping right now and be prepared to wait. I learned that when planning for a build of my Little Fella rifle. Same with a custom or semi-custom build, be prepared to wait.

Roughneck · Nov 19, 2020

i agree with Bob try and find a used custom they are out there made with quality parts and a Chamber lock is a must! i have had several TVM rifles and they were all very nice. i would go with a .54 as well preferably with a 38" "C" weight swamped barrel and it will balance great. its hard to beat a .54 for a great all around caliber.

GAHUNTER60 · Nov 19, 2020

58 Caliber said:
Stick with a ,54 caliber and follow Bob McBride's advice. Good deals on some really nice custom guns appear quite often. I would make sure whatever you buy has either a Chambers lock or a Kibler lock. Rice, Getz, Colerain barrels to mention a few are all good shooting barrels. Good luck.

Dave

What's the knock on Siler locks (other than they are of German origin and style instead of English)? Are they not as dependable?

Dave Marsh · Nov 19, 2020

GAHUNTER60 said:
What's the knock on Siler locks (other than they are of German origin and style instead of English)? Are they not as dependable?

No knock the Siler's are Chamber's locks. Oh and I only mentioned to stick with the .54 as that is the caliber you said you wanted and is one of my favorites. If you change to a different caliber you might catch yourself saying later I wish I had stuck with the 54. I have been there and done that.

GAHUNTER60 · Nov 19, 2020

I'm definitely sticking with the .54. In my 50 years of hunting with a muzzleloader, I've managed to wound and lose three or four deer -- all with round balls of either .45 or .50 caliber. That's one of the reasons I switched over to heaver conical bullets. Since the change, I've not lost any deer, and always get a good blood trail. With a .54 caliber round ball, at least I can pretty much count on the 220-grain bullet achieving complete pass-through resulting in good blood spoor.

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